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The University of the Free State Launches an African Languages Press

01 July 2022 | Story Marcus Maphile | Photo Supplied

The University of the Free State Library and Information Services (UFSLIS) hosted stakeholders from SABC Lesedi FM, the Free State Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture, the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB), and delegates from the National Library for the launch of the first-ever African Languages University Press in South Africa and Africa. The launch, which took place on 24 May, deliberately coincided with the Africa Month commemorations – as the UFS’ answer to the United Nations General Assembly (Resolution A/RES/74/135) proclamation of the period between 2022 and 2032 as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages.

This proclamation aims to draw global attention to the critical situation of many indigenous languages, and to mobilise stakeholders and resources for their preservation, revitalisation, and promotion. The University of the Free State Department of African Languages aims to be a publisher of high-quality original African language monographs and research in order to promote access, preservation, and use of marginalised African languages.

In his opening remarks, Marcus Maphile, Assistant Director: Library Services, said, “As a broad academic publisher, the African Languages Press will be working across a number of markets, all presenting challenges and opportunities for established and engaged university presses. One of the opportunities will be to challenge the mainstream book publishers to re-enter the indigenous language publishing market.” He further said that this was done to make writing and reading in African indigenous languages fashionable, for other nations to envy our rich multilingual cultural heritage.

The guest speaker for the launch was the UFS honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt) recipient, Dr Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha, who applauded the University of the Free State for taking such a bold step towards enriching and developing African indigenous languages.

The launch offered the UFS the opportunity to reach out and engage the international community on potential partnerships and collaborations towards developing African languages. The Library Director, Ms Jeanette Molopyane, provided insight into the challenges faced by libraries due to the shortage of books in African languages, while positioning the University of the Free State Library as a trendsetter and a leader in the development of best practices in the field of libraries.

News Archive

Kovsie students’ artworks selected for Absa L’Atelier Awards 2013

2013-03-24

Learners from Ferrum High School in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, admiring the artworks at the Centenary gallery.
Photo: Linda Fekisi
24 March 2013

Four artworks by Kovsie students have been selected for the 2013 Absa L’Atelier Awards. The artworks will form part of the national Absa L’Atelier exhibition later this year, which will be held at the Absa Gallery in Johannesburg.

Mandi Bezuidenhout, Louis Kruger and Johannes Botma, all master’s students in Fine Arts, have been selected as finalists for the central region of the prestigious competition.Two artworks of Louis, and one each of Mandi and Johannes, have been selected for the awards. Pauline Gutter, a former Kovsie student, has also been selected as finalist for the central region.

The Absa L’Atelier is South Africa’s most prestigious art competition and is held annually for artists between the ages of 21 and 35. This award not only ensures recognition for South Africa’s emerging artists, but also affords them the opportunity to develop their talents abroad. The winner of last year’s competition, Elrie Joubert, graduated with a master’s in Fine Arts from the UFS in 2010.

Four prizes are available in 2013’s competition. The first prize consists of R125 000 and a residency at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris. An Apersand Foundation Residency in New York City and a Sylt Foundation Residency on the Island of Sylt, Germany, will be granted through two merit awards. The most promising artist will receive the Gerard Sekoto Award of R80 000, as well as a residency at the Cité Internationale des Arts in Paris.

The Absa L’Atelier art competition is run in conjunction with the South African National Association for the Visual Arts (SANAVA).

An exhibition of artworks from the central region is currently on display at the Centenary Gallery, upstairs in the Centenary Complex, until 28 March 2013. The gallery will be open on 20, 25, 26, 27, and 28 March from 10:00 to 15:00.

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